20 dead in suicide attack at Dargah Fatehpur Sharif in Jhal Magsi

QUETTA: At least 20 people lost their lives while more than 35 were injured when a suicide attacker blew himself up outside Dargah Fatehpur Sharif in Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan province, ARY News reported.

According to ARY News correspondent Moosa Baloch, a suicide attacker blew himself up outside the Dargah leaving a policeman dead and injuring a huge number of devotees at a time when the custodian of the shrine was holding a special meeting.

“The custodian of the shrine Syed Sarfraz Shah was present in the shrine when the suicide bomber tried to enter the place but blew himself up outside as policemen stopped him, at least 20 people are confirmed dead,” Naseerabad commissioner told media.

Dr Rukhsana Magsi, the Medical Superintendent at Jhal Magsi District Hospital, earlier told ARY News that at least six bodies have been received while a huge number of casualties are feared. Some of the dead and injured were also moved to Gandawah Hospital.

Provincial government spokesman Anwarul Haq Kakar told ARY News that the police had tried to confront the suicide bomber, which resulted in the death of a policeman.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

In February, a suicide blast on the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar had killed over 90 people and injured around 400.

CM Sindh announces compensation for victims

The chief minister condemning suicide attack on pilgrims of Dargah Fatehpur, Jhal Magsi said that his government would provide best health facilities to the injured in Karachi, Sukkur and Larkana. “We are always with our brothers of Balochistan.”

Syed Murad Ali Shah said his government would also give compensation to the victims of the blast.

The chief minister has directed health department to make necessary arrangements for the inured treatment in Karachi and other cities where they feel easy to reach.

Condolences and condemnations pour in

President Mamnoon Hussain strongly condemned the terrorist attack . While expressing deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives, the President prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and grant of courage to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

He also prayed for the early recovery of the injured and directed the authorities concerned to provide all possible medical facilities to the injured.

He further said that the whole nation is united in the fight against terrorism and such cowardly acts cannot shake our resolve against this menace.